Brunshaw Primary School Receive Free Recycled Bikes To Support Bikeability Sessions

A community-led bike refurbishment shop has donated cycles and helmets to Brunshaw Primary School in Burnley to help their pupils learn to ride safely.

Active Cycles is a community hub in Accrington delivered by the charity Active Lancashire, which works with a number of partners to collect and refurbish bicycles to prevent them from ending up in landfills.

In total, Active Cycles donated seven bicycles, six helmets, and six bike vouchers to Brunshaw Primary School, to help all students access bikeability learning sessions even if they do not have their own bikes.

Kevin Kay, PE Coordinator at the school, said, "We are grateful for these donations from Active Cycles. This will greatly benefit students who may not otherwise have access to a bike, providing all students with the opportunity to learn how to safely take part in cycling as a healthy and fun outdoor activity. This initiative aligns with our school's commitment to promoting physical fitness and wellbeing amongst all of our students."

In addition to the donation, Active Cycles is set to open a temporary pop-up bike shop in Burnley at the Charter Walk shopping centre in partnership with Burnley Leisure and Culture. For seven weeks, their recycled bikes will be available to purchase from just £25 for a child’s bike, further supporting the accessibility and affordability of cycling locally.

Michelle Grimes, Project Lead at Active Cycles, emphasized the importance of ensuring accessibility to bikes for all children. "At Active Cycles, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience the joy of cycling. Through our partnership with Brunshaw Primary School and the low cost bikes that will soon be available at our Burnley shop, we aim to make cycling accessible to all young people in the area, including those from families who may face financial barriers.”

Recently, Active Cycles ran a successful crowdfunding campaign, raising a total of £39,421 to implement several initiatives for the benefit of people in Lancashire, including led-rides and maintenance workshops from their main shop in Accrington. The project was also the winner of the Green Award at the most recent BBC Lancashire Make a Difference Awards.